Thanksgiving spirit matters, especially in times like these

Thursday

Nov 26, 2009 at 12:01 AMNov 27, 2009 at 1:26 PM

When life is tough and we have no idea how long we can make end's meet, or our health is failing and we're out of work, it's sometimes hard to find something for which we can be thankful. But for one day, Thanksgiving Day, we should find something, no matter how small, to be thankful for.

When life is tough and we have no idea how long we can make end's meet, or our health is failing and we're out of work, it's sometimes hard to find something for which we can be thankful. But for one day, Thanksgiving Day, we should find something, no matter how small, to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving is a time to feel gratitude to God for all the good things that have happened in our lives and to acknowledge the good deeds of our family, friends and whoever else has come in and out of our lives.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared their autumn harvest together and this feast is considered by many to be the first Thanksgiving celebration. It was a way to thank God for all of His blessings and a celebration to show respect and interactions between the English Colonists and the Native Indians.

It was very difficult to survive in those times, too, and without the help of the Native Americans, the Pilgrims would never have survived the elements or learned to cook in a way that had kept the Indians alive for years.

Thanksgiving Day is a day of festivity. Most families do everything possible to sit together around the table and enjoy the traditional roasted stuffed turkey. People travel from far away to be with their loved ones, offer a prayer and join in the merriment. It's a day of togetherness when different family members bring new dishes or desserts to try. It's all important and makes for great light conversation.

The T.V. seems to be on all day long, beginning with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Most kids and adults are glued to the set to watch this great event with its great floats and balloons. This parade is magical for all. Just seeing the balloons of Kermit the Frog, Spongebob Squarepants and Disney characters, along with a few celebrities, lifts your spirits with good entertainment. What a tradition!

Of course, NFL football dominates the television for the rest of the day to the delight of most men and boys. A lot of women are really interested, too.

Thanksgiving thoughts hopefully will remain with us all year long and the kindnesses of those we hold near and dear to our hearts will remain forever. "There is one day that is ours, Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American," author O. Henry once wrote.